24 May, UK ~ The Arabian Racing Organization (ARO)  is delighted to announce the third leg of the Arabian Classic Series with a superb field of 9 entrants for the 1600m President of The UAE Cup (Listed PA) to be run at The Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland.

Long thought of as the home of Irish Flat Racing, The Curragh plays host to the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas on the late May bank holiday weekend.  A highlight of the weekend’s racing is always The President of the UAE Cup.  The only Purebred Arabian race to be held in Ireland is guaranteed to attract a competitive field from across the UK and Europe.

TIDARBRET, not entered this year, was last year’s surprise winner over pre-race favourite Areej.

Race Card:[gview file=”https://horsereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-Curragh-Arabian-Racecard.pdf” save=”1″]

Verdict by Gary Capewell

A fascinating contest with plenty of challengers from Europe, none of whom can be discounted. Forgehill Cosaque hasn’t been seen for over 18 months so he’s entitled to need the run but shouldn’t be far away. Vazs Man Son  (US bred) was an impressive winner at Taunton on his seasonal debut continuing his progression from his runs in Abu Dhabi this winter. Hidalgo was fourth in this race 2 years ago and has a good record when fresh. The tentative pick though is AL HIBAAB (Al Sakbe x Ietlato De Carrere), trained by Gillian Duffield for Shadwell, that finished third in the UK Derby last year and ran some notable races against tough company in defeat last season.  He finally got his head in front on his seasonal debut at Hereford and that should have done his confidence the world of good.

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